[Core] [64% incumbents] Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  DWAs: Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  DWAs: Verify alignment of structures or equipment.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  DWAs: Maintain mechanical equipment.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  DWAs: Cut metal components for installation.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  DWAs: Drill holes in construction materials.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  DWAs: Clean equipment or facilities.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  DWAs: Spread sand, dirt or other loose materials onto surfaces. | Compact materials to create level bases.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  DWAs: Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  DWAs: Clean equipment or facilities. | Maintain construction tools or equipment.

[Supplemental] [63% incumbents] Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  DWAs: Spread sand, dirt or other loose materials onto surfaces. | Compact materials to create level bases.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.
  DWAs: Weld metal components.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  DWAs: Maintain construction tools or equipment.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  DWAs: Maintain mechanical equipment.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  DWAs: Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

[Supplemental] [62% incumbents] Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

[Supplemental] [62% incumbents] Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  DWAs: Apply paint to surfaces.

[Supplemental] [62% incumbents] Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  DWAs: Apply sealants or other protective coatings.

[Supplemental] [61% incumbents] String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

[Supplemental] [61% incumbents] Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

[Supplemental] [61% incumbents] Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  DWAs: Cut wood components for installation.

[Supplemental] [60% incumbents] Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

[Supplemental] [60% incumbents] Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  DWAs: Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

--- SKILLS ---
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Monitoring (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Active Listening (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:2.88 lvl:2.25) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Active Learning (imp:2.62 lvl:2.38) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Reading Comprehension (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Writing (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Mathematics (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Transportation (imp:3.66 lvl:3.29) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Mechanical (imp:3.65 lvl:4.31) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Building and Construction (imp:3.51 lvl:4.45) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Public Safety and Security (imp:3.25 lvl:3.03) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Administration and Management (imp:3.04 lvl:2.85) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.99 lvl:3.68) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Mathematics (imp:2.94 lvl:3.28) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Education and Training (imp:2.92 lvl:2.92) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Production and Processing (imp:2.86 lvl:2.79) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:2.82 lvl:2.96) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  English Language (imp:2.64 lvl:2.16) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Physics (imp:2.58 lvl:2.84) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Administrative (imp:2.55 lvl:1.78) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Design (imp:2.55 lvl:2.51) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.46 lvl:1.85) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Law and Government (imp:2.45 lvl:1.61) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Telecommunications (imp:2.39 lvl:1.76) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Geography (imp:2.30 lvl:2.30) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Chemistry (imp:2.27 lvl:2.24) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Psychology (imp:2.14 lvl:1.73) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.09 lvl:1.37) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.08 lvl:1.52) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.99 lvl:1.47) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Communications and Media (imp:1.83 lvl:1.24) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Biology (imp:1.74 lvl:1.10) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.68 lvl:0.88) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.62 lvl:0.68) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Foreign Language (imp:1.57) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  History and Archeology (imp:1.53) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Food Production (imp:1.48) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.48 lvl:1.04) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.45) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Fine Arts (imp:1.28) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Control Precision (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.75 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.00) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.62 lvl:3.00) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Reaction Time (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Far Vision (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.38 lvl:3.38) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Visualization (imp:3.38 lvl:3.50) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Near Vision (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Depth Perception (imp:3.38 lvl:3.38) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Rate Control (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Static Strength (imp:3.25 lvl:3.75) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Information Ordering (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Selective Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Response Orientation (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Dynamic Strength (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Trunk Strength (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Extent Flexibility (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Auditory Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Oral Expression (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Stamina (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Written Comprehension (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Category Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Time Sharing (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Speech Recognition (imp:2.88 lvl:2.25) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:2.88 lvl:2.38) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.75 lvl:2.38) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Spatial Orientation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.38) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:2.75 lvl:2.38) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Written Expression (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Originality (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.12 lvl:1.50) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Memorization (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Explosive Strength (imp:2.00 lvl:1.38) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Peripheral Vision (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Night Vision (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:4.64 lvl:3.08) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.46 lvl:4.18) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:4.46 lvl:3.98) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:4.45 lvl:5.09) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:4.38 lvl:3.33) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.33 lvl:2.95) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:4.28 lvl:4.83) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.24 lvl:3.53) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:4.05 lvl:3.09) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.02 lvl:4.09) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.98 lvl:4.05) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.97 lvl:4.07) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.92 lvl:4.20) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:3.83 lvl:4.01) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.78 lvl:3.33) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.77 lvl:3.69) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.58 lvl:3.37) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Processing Information (imp:3.55 lvl:3.25) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.48 lvl:2.57) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.43 lvl:2.81) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.41 lvl:3.09) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.36 lvl:3.71) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.31 lvl:2.63) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:3.28 lvl:3.10) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.24 lvl:2.75) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.21 lvl:2.62) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.20 lvl:3.00) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.13 lvl:2.73) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.09 lvl:2.59) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.97 lvl:2.93) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.94 lvl:2.54) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.91 lvl:2.52) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:2.81 lvl:2.74) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.79 lvl:2.67) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.78 lvl:2.30) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:2.76 lvl:2.51) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.68 lvl:1.96) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.63 lvl:2.15) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.30 lvl:1.88) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.19 lvl:1.78) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Working with Computers (imp:2.08 lvl:1.64) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Dependability (imp:2.56) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cautiousness (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.19) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.35) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.23) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Integrity (imp:1.23) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cooperation (imp:1.03) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Self-Control (imp:0.95) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Achievement Orientation (imp:0.80) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Self-Confidence (imp:0.58) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Initiative (imp:0.28) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability (imp:0.26) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Sincerity (imp:0.13) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Optimism (imp:-0.01) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:-0.03) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Empathy (imp:-0.12) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Humility (imp:-0.16) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:-0.30) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:-0.36) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation (imp:-0.37) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.71) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.75 lvl:3.25) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Operation and Control (imp:3.75 lvl:3.12) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Troubleshooting (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Coordination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Repairing (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:2.88 lvl:2.38) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:2.75 lvl:2.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.62 lvl:2.25) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Instructing (imp:2.38 lvl:2.62) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Service Orientation (imp:2.25 lvl:1.88) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Persuasion (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Negotiation (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.00) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Installation (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Programming (imp:1.00) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 19,580
  annual_median    : $70,070
  annual_pct10     : $45,640
  annual_pct25     : $51,280
  annual_pct75     : $81,670
  annual_pct90     : $87,420
  annual_mean      : $68,740
  hourly_median    : $33.69

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Massachusetts ($94,330)
  lowest_state     : Louisiana ($44,150)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.137x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (39 total) ---
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:   14,000  median: $  65,900
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    4,060  median: $  85,210
  Construction                             emp:    1,390  median: $  48,820
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:      100  median: $  62,820

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (4 total) ---
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:   14,000  median: $  65,900
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    4,060  median: $  85,210
  Construction                             emp:    1,390  median: $  48,820
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:      100  median: $  62,820

exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T22:47:02.016692Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Track renewal train (similarity: 0.3056)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Track_renewal_train
  QID: Q4129085
  Extract: A track renewal train is a work train that consists of many units of machinery and materials required for track renewal projects.

  Title: Plasser & Theurer (similarity: 0.1714)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasser_%26_Theurer
  QID: Q701608
  Extract: Plasser & Theurer is an Austrian manufacturer of rail track maintenance and track laying machines.

  Title: Crane (rail) (similarity: 0.1231)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crane_(rail)
  QID: Q2142500
  Extract: A railway crane is a type of crane used on a railway for one of three primary purposes: freight handling in goods yards, permanent way (PW) maintenance, and accident recovery work. Although the design differs according to the type of work, the basic configuration is similar in all cases: a rotating 

  Title: 2024 East–West Line disruption (similarity: 0.2651)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_East%E2%80%93West_Line_disruption
  QID: Q130372524
  Extract: On 25 September 2024, train services on the East–West Line (EWL) of the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT) were disrupted when an axle box on a Kawasaki C151 train dislodged, derailing the train and damaging the track and equipment between Clementi and Dover stations. This resulted in the sus

  Title: Glossary of rail transport terms (similarity: 0.2824)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_rail_transport_terms
  QID: Q2341962
  Extract: Rail transport terms are a form of technical terminology applied to railways. Although many terms are uniform across different nations and companies, they are by no means universal, with differences often originating from parallel development of rail transport systems in different parts of the world

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on comprehensive O*NET data with detailed task descriptions, clear skill requirements, and robust wage data from BLS OEWS May 2025. The occupation has well-defined boundaries and specific equipment operation requirements.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T23:53:20.930944+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,520
tokens_output        : 4,293
cost_usd             : $0.046937
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No direct Wikipedia match found, though related articles on track renewal trains and rail maintenance equipment manufacturers provide relevant context about the specialized machinery used in this occupation.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators operate specialized machinery to lay, repair, and maintain railroad tracks in regular railroad service, industrial facilities, and mining operations. These workers ensure safe train operations by performing critical track maintenance using equipment like ballast cleaning machines, spike driving machines, and track alignment tools. They work in transportation, government, and construction sectors to maintain the rail infrastructure that supports freight and passenger rail systems.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Operators begin by patrolling assigned track sections to identify damaged or broken track components that require repair or replacement. They operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to secure rails to ties and use hydraulic jacks to raise rails for tie replacement. Throughout the day, they adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track according to specifications while observing leveling indicator arms to verify track alignment. They cut rails to specified lengths using rail saws, drill holes for bolts or spikes, and clean ballast or clear snow and ice from tracks. The work requires constant monitoring of equipment performance and coordination with supervisors and crew members to ensure safety protocols are followed.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude with Building and Construction knowledge (level 4.5) and high Control Precision abilities (level 4.0). They possess excellent Multilimb Coordination (level 4.0) and Manual Dexterity to operate complex machinery safely and precisely. The work appeals to those with Realistic interests (RIASEC score 7.0) who prefer hands-on, practical work with tangible outcomes. Successful operators exhibit high Dependability and Cautiousness work styles, as safety is paramount in railroad environments. They thrive on problem-solving and decision-making activities while working independently or in small crews in outdoor, sometimes challenging conditions.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry into this occupation typically requires a high school diploma (90.2% of workers) with on-the-job training being the primary pathway for skill development. Job Zone 2 classification indicates some preparation is needed, often involving apprenticeships or employer-provided training programs lasting several weeks to months. Many employers provide specialized training on specific equipment types and safety procedures required for railroad operations.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators can advance to supervisory positions overseeing track maintenance crews or specialized roles in railroad operations management. Career progression often leads to positions as Rail Car Repairers, Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, or advancement into transportation coordination roles. Some operators transition to related construction equipment operation roles or pursue specialized certifications in railway engineering technology.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The occupation employs 19,580 workers nationally with a median annual wage of $70,070 (BLS OEWS May 2025), ranging from $45,640 at the 10th percentile to $87,420 at the 90th percentile. Geographic wage variation is significant, with Massachusetts offering the highest wages at $94,330 compared to Louisiana's $44,150, representing a 2.14x ratio. Employment is concentrated in Transportation and Warehousing (14,000 workers), followed by government sectors (4,060 workers), reflecting the public-private nature of rail infrastructure. The specialized nature of rail maintenance creates steady demand, particularly as aging rail infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and modernization.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
This occupation faces moderate automation risk as some track maintenance activities can be mechanized through advanced rail maintenance vehicles and automated inspection systems. However, the need for human judgment in problem-solving (importance 4.5, level 4.2) and decision-making about track conditions will likely preserve many positions, as complex repairs and safety assessments require experienced human oversight.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [task_similarity] Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators (47-2071.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles operate heavy machinery for surface preparation and material compaction, sharing equipment operation and control skills.
    data: Operation and Control (3.8, 3.1)
    data: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (4.5, 4.0)
    data: Job Zone 2
  [skill_overlap] Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators (47-2073.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Shared equipment maintenance skills (3.2, 3.0) and mechanical knowledge (3.6, 4.3) for operating heavy construction machinery.
    data: Equipment Maintenance (3.2, 3.0)
    data: Mechanical knowledge (3.6, 4.3)
    data: Control Precision (3.9, 4.0)
  [knowledge_overlap] Millwrights (49-9044.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both require high-level mechanical knowledge and precision in installing and maintaining heavy equipment systems.
    data: Mechanical knowledge (3.6, 4.3)
    data: Control Precision (3.9, 4.0)
    data: Troubleshooting (3.2, 3.0)
  [career_pathway] Rail Car Repairers (49-3043.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Natural career progression from track maintenance to rail car repair, sharing transportation knowledge and mechanical skills.
    data: Transportation knowledge (3.7, 3.3)
    data: Mechanical knowledge (3.6, 4.3)
    data: Equipment Maintenance (3.2, 3.0)
  [riasec_cluster] Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining (47-5022.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles strongly favor Realistic work environments with heavy machinery operation and minimal social interaction.
    data: RIASEC R:7.00
    data: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (4.5, 4.0)
    data: Job Zone 2

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['rail track', 'railroad track', 'track maintenance', 'ballast cleaning', 'spike driving', 'track laying', 'railroad maintenance', 'rail equipment']
  exclude_keywords : ['locomotive', 'conductor', 'engineer', 'dispatcher', 'signal']
  title_patterns   : ['Track Maintainer', 'Rail Track Layer', 'Railroad Track Mechanic', 'Section Hand', 'Track Equipment Operator']
  common_variations: ['Railroad Track Worker', 'Track Maintenance Worker', 'Rail Maintenance Technician', 'Railroad Section Worker', 'Track Machine Operator', 'Ballast Regulator Operator', 'Railway Track Repairer', 'Track Surfacing Operator']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['equipment', 'tendency', 'others', 'track', 'operate', 'machines', 'rail', 'materials', 'construction', 'principles', 'rails', 'maintenance', 'control', 'includes', 'objects', 'body', 'installation', 'activities', 'ideas', 'operations']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
equipment                  51  0.01756  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:45%  dwas:35%  inference:16%
tendency                   42  0.01446  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     38  0.01308  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
track                      26  0.00895  inference            inference:46%  onet_tasks:35%  wikipedia:19%
operate                    20  0.00688  dwas                 dwas:50%  onet_tasks:20%  onet_dimensions:15%
machines                   20  0.00688  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:40%  onet_dimensions:35%  inference:20%
rail                       18  0.00620  inference            inference:61%  wikipedia:22%  onet_tasks:11%
materials                  18  0.00620  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:56%  dwas:39%  wikipedia:6%
construction               17  0.00585  dwas                 dwas:71%  inference:18%  onet_dimensions:12%
principles                 16  0.00551  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
rails                      15  0.00516  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:80%  inference:20%
maintenance                15  0.00516  inference            inference:60%  onet_dimensions:27%  wikipedia:13%
control                    13  0.00447  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  inference:8%
includes                   12  0.00413  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00413  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
body                       12  0.00413  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:83%  wikipedia:17%
installation               12  0.00413  dwas                 dwas:92%  onet_dimensions:8%
activities                 11  0.00379  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:82%  inference:18%
ideas                      11  0.00379  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
operations                 10  0.00344  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:60%  inference:40%
techniques                 10  0.00344  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
heavy                      10  0.00344  dwas                 dwas:90%  inference:10%
arms                        9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  onet_tasks:11%  inference:11%
tracks                      9  0.00310  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:78%  inference:22%
railroad                    9  0.00310  inference            inference:56%  onet_tasks:33%  wikipedia:11%
problems                    9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
monitoring                  9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
problem                     9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  inference:22%
procedures                  9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
tools                       9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:56%  dwas:33%  inference:11%
human                       9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  inference:22%
resources                   9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
quickly                     9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
performing                  9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
orientation                 9  0.00310  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
duty                        9  0.00310  dwas                 dwas:100%
performance                 8  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
needs                       8  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
rules                       8  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
moving                      8  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  dwas:12%